When you first join the IUPAT, you may not have a long-term goal in mind. For many people, such as asbestos workers, a union is an attractive brotherhood and sisterhood, but the ultimate long-time benefits aren’t fully apparent.
Bruno Mandic, who has been working with the IUPAT asbestos workers’union for a generation, is a great example of how staying involved with the union for years has its advantages. For instance, consider the following ways that being a part of a union for your working life can be an incredible, fulfilling experience:
- You have the chance to learn from well-respected tradespersons: Mentoring, both formal and informal, continuously takes place throughout the IUPAT asbestos workers’ union. Not only is it encouraged, but it can also be rewarded in numerous ways. Plus, when you have a number of years of being a mentee under your own belt, you might want to become a mentor yourself.
- You could become an instructor: A lot of IUPAT asbestos union workers get involved with their preferred trades because they love them. One of the best ways to ensure that others understand how important the trades are, and learn how to safely perform skills, is to be a teacher. Even if you never thought about yourself as an instructor before, you might change your mind as the years pass by and you realize you have a lot to offer.
- You can have a hand in transforming your community: Take the GTA, for instance… it’s fulfilling to look around and see your handiwork and the way it has transformed the neighbourhoods. As you pass buildings you’ve worked on, you understand how much impact the union has on people of all walks of life.
- You have peace of mind when retirement approaches: With a pension that you can count on, you are in a much better position as a retired or almost-retiring IUPAT member. Additionally, the IUPAT offers guidance when it comes to staying on top of your financials, and being sure you understand your pension benefits.
- You can take advantage of world class healthcare: So many IUPAT members and their families are discovering our new Healthcare Centre located next door to our headquarters on Toro Road in Toronto! We have amassed a cadre of high quality doctors, dental providers and other healthcare professionals to give you a one-stop way to maintain your wellbeing. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s time to check it out.
Interested in finding out more? Contact the IUPAT today, and find out about becoming a member. Not yet trained in your desired field? We can help you understand the avenues that exist to get you where you want to be.
